Amador (Panama City) - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Krazy Kruizers · 12-19-2007, 02:11 PM

Panama City is home to nearly 1 million people. The place name comes from an indigenous language - Panama means “abundant fish”. One writer likens the diverse society to a sanocho pot, rather than a traditional melting pot. Like the local dish, each ingredient contributes flavor to the stew, but each retains its own distinct identity. The “ingredients” in the Panamanian culture sanocho are surprisingly varied. The main group is known as criollo (people of Panamanian birth who trace their lineage to Spain). Mestizo (“mixed”) refers to a Spanish-indigenous tribal ethnic blend, whose members often refer to themselves as “English”. Afro-Antillians, North-American ex-pats, Indians, Koreans, and seven indigenous tribes are presented. There is even a sizeable Chinese-Panamanian community, many of whom descend from Panama Canal workers. Jewish refugees escaping the wrath of the Spanish Inquisition began to arrive during colonial times, and eventually, a large community was established. In 1876 the Sephardic synagogue, Kol Shearith Israel, was founded in Panama City. Both the city and Peninsula de Azuero are known for lively Carnival celebrations, using the capital’s polite, well-dressed citizens are always friendly.

The first known inhabitants were the Cuevas and the Cocle people. Even though much of the indigenous population was lost to disease and conquest in the early colonial years, Panamanian tribes have since regained strength and numbers - the Spaniards were never able to subjugate them. It is not uncommon to see traditionally dressed native people among the cars and skyscrapers of Panama City. After Vasco Nunez de Balboa sighted the Pacific Ocean (later named by his Portuguese successor, Magellan), the search was on to find a navigable route between the 2 oceans. At first, lacking a waterway, conquistadors crossed the isthmus overland. Gold from Spanish incursions into Inca nation was carried along the reverse route - overland from the Pacific port of Panama City back to the Caribbean port of Nombre de Dios, and then to Spain.

The modern yacht and marina complex at Fuerte Amador was built a few years ago to accommodate large passenger ships and small private yachts transiting the Panama Canal. Sometimes it is necessary to wait for a clearing in the schedule for ships waiting to enter the Canal Zone.

The Palm lined Amador Causeway links mainland Panama City to the 4 small islands that comprise the Amador compound. A bicycle/jogging path lines the causeway so outdoor observers can enjoy excellent views of the city skyline while exercising. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute operates offices at Amador and the Marine Exhibition Center is open afternoons, Tuesday to Friday and all day on weekends. Educational films and marine exhibits are set up to encourage visitors to touch the animals. The rest of the complex is a comfortable open mall with shops, restaurants and handicraft centers.

Krazy Kruizers · 12-19-2007, 02:14 PM

Casco Viejo
Young Balboa led expeditions from the Caribbean and soon learned that a large body of water was only a short distance west. He needed to impress King Ferdinand if he was to be successful in the colonies, and news that he was the first European to record a sighting of the Pacific Ocean in September 1513 seemed to guarantee favor. Unfortunately, the king had already dispatched Pedro Arias Davila as official governor of the province. Balboa was ordered to serve as his assistant. Davila, also known by the nickname Pedrarias, was jealous of the younger man, and after falsely accusing him of treason, executed him in 1519. Davila moved the colony to the Pacific coast where conditions were drier, and established the community of Panama la Viejo, the first Panama City. The original settlement thrived at first as the only Spanish Pacific port, but after Henry Morgan sacked the town, it was virtually destroyed. After the attack, a new settlement was established a few miles west where defense was more plausible. The original community, Casco Viejo, is the historic center of modern Panama City. The colonial-era Casco Viejo (“old compound”) peninsula forms Bahia de Panama’s lower “jaw”. A neighborhood of elegant, albeit dusty, baroque mansions and antique cathedrals, cobblestone streets recall Panama City’s faded glory. Known as San Felipe, it is also home to wide plazas and the city’s best museums.

The physical center is Plaza Catedral, where the namesake 18th century cathedral forms the western flank. Like many structures in the quarter, the church was partially fashioned from rescued parts of older Panama le Vieja buildings which have ornate inlaid stones in the design. Three of the bells from the antique carillon were also borrowed from Catedral de Panama la Vieja.

Just a few blocks away, where Calle 5 meets Panama Bay is Palacio de las Garzas. Named for the graceful white herons that live freely (and protected) on its grounds, the Moorish-style-palace is a magnificent sight.

Immediately south of the plaza, Museo del Canal Interoceanico is one of the finest exhibits in the Americas. The collection includes original signed treaties and rare contracts related to the Panama Canal as well as old film and still photos taken during the arduous construction effort. The museum opens daily, except Monday, from 9:30 AM until 5 PM. Across the street, Museo de Historia Panamena tells a less detailed version of Panamanian history. The building was French headquarters during the first failed attempt to build the canal. A few blocks away, Iglesia de San Jose has one of the most famous religious artifacts in the city. The intricate golden altar was the only valuable Henry Morgan did not steal when he plundered the city. According to local legend, a clever priest painted it black. Morgan even donated to the church to patch up the “ugly” altar.

Anthropology Museum
The official name for Calidonia District’s premier museum is Myseo Antropologico Reina Torres de Arauz. The collection includes pre-Columbian relics and showcases indigenous Panamanian culture. The artisan market befind the museum is closed Sundays and Mondays.

Krazy Kruizers · 12-19-2007, 02:16 PM

Balboa
A conspicuous Panamanian flag proudly flies atop Cerro Ancon signifying Panamanian dominion over the once American held Canal Zone. A trail leads to the summit where the views of Panama City and the canal are spectacular on a clear day. The incline is fairly abrupt so wear a pair of comfortable non-skid shoes if you go. The mountain is a nature preserve and is well populated with iguana, deer and native bird species. At the base, Mi Pueblito is a living open-air museum of Panamanian history. A faithful replica of a turn of the century interior town, the village is complete with government, shops, a school and a church. Two neighboring villages recreate Afro-Caribbean and native communities. Even though they are touristy, the replicas are still interesting.